Our Youth Programme is now well established as an integral part of the Festival with initiatives such as the Barnes Young Musician of the Year Award, the Schools’ Concert, our Under 12 free ticket scheme and performance opportunities for first class music groups from local secondary schools. With children and families being a large part of the Barnes population, we aim to engage them in listening to and creating music within the Festival. We continue to devise new opportunities for involvement and to promote the enjoyment of music to young people in our community.
Schools Concert
The Schools Concert is a creative project for local primary schools with the aim of introducing primary aged children to the joy of music making. Schools involved include Barnes Primary School, Lowther School, St Osmund’s School, Thomson House School, East Sheen Primary School and St Mary Magdalene’s School. Working with St Paul’s School, they take part in workshops which culminate in a full concert during the festival with all schools taking part. Themes have included Leonardo and his Flying Machines, Let’s Build a Bridge and Gustav’s Great Galactic Journey.
Barnes Young Musician of the Year
Barnes Young Musician of the Year, supported by Barnes Music Society, is an instrumental competition available to the most advanced young players in SW13 and SW14 postcodes. Applications are encouraged from players of Grade 6 standard and above. Leading up to the final, masterclasses are hosted by local schools with top performers advancing to the final. The winner performs at the closing concert of the festival.
Masterclasses
Leading up to the final of the Barnes Young Musician of the Year, a series of masterclasses covering piano, strings, woodwind and brass are hosted by local schools. These sessions are conducted by exceptionally talented professional musicians and are hosted by local schools. Some of the most outstanding performers in the masterclasses then advance to the Final adjudication. An additional organ masterclass is held at St Mary’s after the organ recital held during the festival.
